993 oil pressure
Discussion
OK, the first question since actually collecting it at the weekend (and I'm sure there will be plenty more!)
What should I be seeing on the oil pressure gauge on a steady motorway cruise? It seems to be sitting at the top of the gauge on 5 for most of the time - is this normal?
('Er Indoors did read the relevant bit out of the manual to me while I was driving yesterday, but I can't remember precisely what it said and don't have it with me at present - the gist, as I recall, was that 3.5-4 is normal, and that I should be more concerned by low pressure than high pressure)
No warning lights or anything, and everything sounds like the 993 noises I'm used to hearing after a few test drives and passenger rides. In my technical ignorance, I had assumed that the higher the revs, the higher the pressure is likely to be. Doubtless just new owner nerves on my part but better safe than sorry, I suppose!
What should I be seeing on the oil pressure gauge on a steady motorway cruise? It seems to be sitting at the top of the gauge on 5 for most of the time - is this normal?
('Er Indoors did read the relevant bit out of the manual to me while I was driving yesterday, but I can't remember precisely what it said and don't have it with me at present - the gist, as I recall, was that 3.5-4 is normal, and that I should be more concerned by low pressure than high pressure)
No warning lights or anything, and everything sounds like the 993 noises I'm used to hearing after a few test drives and passenger rides. In my technical ignorance, I had assumed that the higher the revs, the higher the pressure is likely to be. Doubtless just new owner nerves on my part but better safe than sorry, I suppose!
Edited by Lurking Lawyer on Monday 9th October 12:42
When I first got my 997 I had exactly the same issue. Somehow a nervous feeling seeing the oil pressure pointing to max levels a lot of the time. Also read the manual and thought there must be something wrong.
Spoke with OPC who said it's totally normal. When sat at lights etc the pressure should drop (make sure it does) but under driving it will be higher. If the pressure drops during driving then you have a real problem but 997s (not sure about 993s) have a bleed valve in case the pressure does get too high.
Nothing to worry about and hope you're enjoying it.
Spoke with OPC who said it's totally normal. When sat at lights etc the pressure should drop (make sure it does) but under driving it will be higher. If the pressure drops during driving then you have a real problem but 997s (not sure about 993s) have a bleed valve in case the pressure does get too high.
Nothing to worry about and hope you're enjoying it.
I've only had my 993 for 3 weeks, and mine sits around 5 bar most of the time, certainly when it's in full motion. When the car is fully warmed up AND is at idle then it should drop a little to around 3.5 / 4 bar. I think the theory goes that when the oil had reached operating temperature it's thinner and therefore towards idle there is less pressure....this won't be the case for idle when the oil is cold...i.e. a cold start...well it isn't on mine anyway as the revs are higher and the oil is cold.
Certainly it would be a concern if the pressure drops while the car is in motion...just pull over and phone your recovery service or risk a wrecked engine.
Certainly it would be a concern if the pressure drops while the car is in motion...just pull over and phone your recovery service or risk a wrecked engine.
Edited by truckpdt on Monday 9th October 13:12
Thanks all. As I said, I assumed it was nothing to worry about.
Kent993, I've only done around 200 miles so far since picking it up on Saturday, and most of that has been motorway mileage, but, yes, I love it. VERY different to what I'm used to - the clutch and brakes are so much heavier than the S2000 - so will take a bit of getting used to but the noise of the Flat Six at wide open throttle is absolutely glorious
Kent993, I've only done around 200 miles so far since picking it up on Saturday, and most of that has been motorway mileage, but, yes, I love it. VERY different to what I'm used to - the clutch and brakes are so much heavier than the S2000 - so will take a bit of getting used to but the noise of the Flat Six at wide open throttle is absolutely glorious

Yep, I can agree with that. I loved the sound of the aircooled engine. I also think the car has a nice blend of handling WITH refinement...just the right balance I'd say. It's each to their own, but when it comes to replacing suspension bits and pieces I will be going for the standard setup...it's what I prefer. The only item I've ordered for the car so far is £2 pounds worth of sealed bearing for my rather noisy rear spoiler. I intend to crack open the worm gear drive and replace the bearing.
a993lad said:
It was the oil level guage that got me. When i was driving home for the first time I was worried the car had no oil in it.
Aha! I was ready for that one! I'd already read about it bottoming out in motion and how you can only get reliable readings when the engine is warm, idling and parked on a level surface. After the notoriously oil-dependent S2000, noticing that one would REALLY have made me panic otherwise!
(The profile pic is still an old one of the S2000 that I never did get around to working out why it didn't display. I've got to clean the Porker before I take some pics - I'll add one to the profile then)
Edited by Lurking Lawyer on Monday 9th October 13:38
Lurking Lawyer said:
Thanks all.
but the noise of the Flat Six at wide open throttle is absolutely glorious
but the noise of the Flat Six at wide open throttle is absolutely glorious

Congratulations. If you haven't already got RSRs and a Motorsound airbox then you can enhance your aural pleasure by fitting either or both for not much money. www.carnewal.com is the place to spend your time (as well as here) when you are not actually driving or attending to your 993. Be warned though Gert will feed your addiction and you will soon find that work is getting in the way of your Porsche activities.
pp
Pickled Piper said:
Congratulations. If you haven't already got RSRs and a Motorsound airbox then you can enhance your aural pleasure by fitting either or both for not much money.
Already all-too-aware of these mods, PP!
The RSRs seem to be a very good value-for-money solution for creating a bit more noise (and considerably cheaper than the titanium sports exhaust I imported from Japan for my S2000!) but the piggy bank is having to recover from its beating in buying the car before I can start swapping bits. It's first on the list though....
I've seen reference to achieving the same effect as the Motorsound airbox by drilling some holes in the factory one, so I may have a look into that to tide me over.
(I found Gert's site when I first began looking at 993s. Pure unadulterated automotive porn and I have to keep my credit car way out of reach whenever I call it up from my bookmarks....)
Yep I know the feeling with reference to letting the Piggy Bank recover. You are right about drilling the airbox to replicate the Motorsound box, it's a "free" mod. The motorsound box does give you a chrome inlet trumpet and I am a firm believer that no opportunity should be missed to add shiny bits to the engine.
Enjoy
pp
Enjoy
pp
Lurking Lawyer said:
Doubtless as I drive it more, further questions will manifest themselves.
I predict ...
What oil should I use? - cue long forum argument
How can I tell if kinematic toe needs setting?
Why am I getting a creak from the front as I go slowly over bumps?
What's the switch for at the back of the glove box?
Ian.
PS Pleased to hear you found yourself a nice one.
Edited by ian_uk on Monday 9th October 22:51
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